Apple Reportedly Working with Pro Athletes to Test iWatch Fitness Features

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Apple Reportedly Working with Pro Athletes to Test iWatch Fitness Features

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According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple is currently recruiting professional athletes from the NHL, NBA, and MLB to test the iWatch. The company is using the professional athletes to test the device’s fitness capabilities in various training environments.

The device has reportedly been tested by Kobe Bryant from the LA Lakers and other high profile athletes. Bryant was spotted on Apple’s campus in Cupertino back in May and reportedly met with lead designer Jony Ive.

“Apple is said to be working with Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Kings right winger Dustin Brown, and a few other star athletes, including a player from the Boston Red Sox, on the testing project. The athletes are said to have signed non-disclosure-agreements regarding the existence of the upcoming Apple wearable device. Nonetheless, Bryant was spotted at Apple’s campus last month meeting with Apple design chief Jony Ive.”

The professional athletes are likely being used to test out the various health and fitness sensors that are built into the device, like a heart rate monitor.

The report also says that Apple’s iWatch will be “positioned as a fashion accessory,” which matches previous reports. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple will release multiple versions of the iWatch set at multiple price points.

Recent reports have suggested that the iWatch will come in various sizes, including a model with a 2.5-inch display. The iWatch is set to launch this fall, possibly alongside the next-generation iPhone and iOS 8. The device is said to include wireless charging capabilities, a sapphire crystal display, and integration with iOS devices.